Five destinations for talented Atleti defender Toby Alderweireld

City could use a commanding defender able to pick up the slack in Kompany’s absence and make an immediate impact. Both parties would benefit should Alderweireld opt for the blue half of Manchester, as the player would be practically guaranteed Champions League football and the club would surely be favourites for the league title again.

Manchester United
Louis van Gaal is famed for his insistence on backline balance so, with Marcos Rojo established as first choice left footed centre back, United will be on the hunt for a right footed Red Devil to partner him.

The Old Trafford outfit have endured some woeful defensive wobbles that have derailed their season, and Van Gaal will need to strengthen the position and David de Gea’s defensive protection if he hopes to keep the Spain stopper.

If Alderweireld’s main concern is first team football, United should be able to offer it in spades, with Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans among the expected departures this summer. A ball playing centre back who is comfortable in possession, Alderweireld would appear a perfect fit for Van Gaal’s philosophy.

Southampton
Saints are surely favourites to keep hold of their on-loan star, as the south coast club supposedly have the option to purchase the defender for a fee of around £6.8m. However, rumours suggest this clause could be bought out by competitors, so Ronald Koeman must pull out all the stops to keep his main man.

Alderwiereld may feel he has already outgrown St Mary’s, but the brilliant Belgian should remember that the club reinvigorated his career. Would the centre half star still thrive away from Koeman’s carefully constructed system?

Tottenham
Spurs are the latest club said to be considering scuppering Saints’ plans to make Alderweireld’s switch permanent.

Mauricio Pochettino has already angered fans of his former club by making moves for Southampton stars, and now appears interested in Aldeweireld.

The adaptable ex-Ajax player is adept at instigating attacks and bringing the ball forward, making him an attractive prospect for Spurs. However, despite the chance to link up with compatriots Jan Vertonghen and Nacer Chadli, there appears to be few benefits in swapping Southampton’s project for Spurs, with both teams outsiders in the top four race.